2 Messages
HR34 not taking commands from remotes
Hi all - hoping to get some thoughts from the group. My retired parents have a very old HR34 DVR (not sure if it's a 700) as well as two mini Genies. I was at their house trying to program their two new RC73 remotes so that they would control volume and on/off on their Samsung TVs. I was able to do that just fine on the mini but when I tried it on the HR34, it completely froze so I rebooted (using the red peg switch). When it rebooted it was stuck on one channel and the remotes were completely unresponsive (using both the RC73 and the old RC66RX). I've tried the 961 routine and still nothing. I rebooted it 3 times and the same results (or lack thereof). The last one of those with with a DirectV representative. He said at this point we'll have to replace the HR34. I obviously know this means my parents will lose all of their recorded shows which will absolutely crush my mother. The strange thing (or maybe not so strange for you) is that they can still access their shows on the other two TVs via the Genie minis, so my mother is insisting on only watching DirectV in the bedroom and using the living room (where the HR34 is) to stream. Seems ridiculous but I get it I guess. Would appreciate if anyone here has any other suggestions. Not sure, for example, if buying a universal remote would do anything different as it just seems the HR34 is frozen. Thanks in advance.
DIRECTVhelp
Community Support
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255.6K Messages
2 years ago
Hi @TheBBO, we want to help you with the remote and the receiver. The only way to keep the recordings after the upgrade will be to record them to a VCR/DVD recorder in real time. In the following link, you can find some basic troubleshooting steps: https://www.directv.com/support/satellite/topic/topic_quickfixestroublesho We'll send you a PM to take a closer look and sort this out together. Luna, DIRECTV Community Specialist.
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goldw1800
ACE - Professor
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2K Messages
2 years ago
I suggest you retire the HR34 and Get a Hr44 or Hr54
Call 1-800-531-500 and Say the Hr34 is DEAD (as not working) It will save time on the call and then setup a service visit to change it out!
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Juniper
ACE - Expert
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23.4K Messages
2 years ago
The HR34 (1st generation Genie) is well known for having issues. In particular system being slow or unresponsive as the weak processor couldn't keep up with the updates it received, plus overheating from a lackluster cooling design.
I would call DirecTV and let them know it is 'dead' so they will warranty replace it ($19.95 delivery, unless you are paying for the protection plan). Would most likely get the HR54 (as HR44 is supposedly out of stock and HR34 has been gone for years).
Be aware that if you do replace it, recordings do not copy over as they are encrypted to the exact box (even if using an external hard drive). Of course recordings on any other HDDVRs you have (i.e. HR24) still remain of course.
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TheBBO
2 Messages
2 years ago
Thanks all. I was able to fix the issue. Fortunately the front of the HR34 still responded and I was able to get to the settings menu and change the remote from RF to IR. The remote is working and all is good. I appreciate the help and suggestions.
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DIRECTVhelp
Community Support
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255.6K Messages
2 years ago
Great to know that your remote is now working. Let us know if there's anything else that you need. DIRECTV is always here to help. Sitte, DIRECTV Community Specialist
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Juniper
ACE - Expert
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23.4K Messages
2 years ago
@TheBBO
Glad you got it fixed. I would still keep in mind the option of a warranty swap if needed. As a note, that is NOT an upgrade as they are all the same equipment line.
Though so you aware, the HR54 does not have front panel controls. Those were no longer part of the design, assuming to be more cost efficient. And smart phone/tablet apps or even smart watches are being used more often as backup remotes for the day or two it takes to pick up a replacement dedicated remote.
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shannon02
ACE - Expert
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21.3K Messages
2 years ago
The RC7X remotes will not control the HR34 in RF mode you would need that RC66RX.
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Juniper
ACE - Expert
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23.4K Messages
2 years ago
The HR34 was the last generation of boxes to use the RC6X series. Starting with the 2nd generation (HR44) they use the RC7X (Genie or "peanut" style).
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